Rakahanga

Rakahanga is part of the Cook Islands, situated in the central-southern Pacific Ocean. The unspoilt atoll is 1,248km from the Cook Islands' capital, Rarotonga, and lies 1,111km south of the equator. Its nearest neighbour is Manihiki which is just 44km away. Rakahanga's population is 127, and its area is 4km2.GeographyThere are four main islands and seven motus or islets in the Rakahanga lagoon. The northern island is divided into three: Tetukono in the north and northeast, Tetaha Kiraro in the west, and Paerangi in the southwest; while the southern island is Rakahanga. The motus are: on the east, Te Motu o Umurua, Akaro, Motu Ngangie, Huananui, Motu Mahuta and Motu Okakara; while on the southwest side the islet of Te Kainga guards the widest passage into the lagoon. The only village, Matara, also called Rakahanga, seat of the Rakahanga Island Council, is on the northwest side of the southern islet, Rakahanga. A newer, official source lists five villages, which might represent the lineages living in the same village: PurapotoNiteiriNumahangaTeruakioreMatara (main settlement) The island is just over 4 square kilometres in size and is so low lying that it is in serious danger from rising sea levels.